JAMES JOSEPH RYZ

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JAMES (JIM) JOSEPH RYZ June 25, 1959 - April 1, 2017 Suddenly and unexpectedly, it is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our dearest friend, father, brother and uncle on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Jim will be sadly missed by Lynn Ryz; son Liam Ryz; sister Valery Ryz; brothers Gerald and Vincent Ryz, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and business associates. He was predeceased by his father Joseph Ryz on November 22, 2000, and his mother Jean Ryz (nee Yakielashek) on November 21, 2011. Jim was born and raised in the Sifton area. As a child, he loved being outdoors. Fishing, trapping and snowmobiling were a few of his favourite pastimes. As a young boy, he was a member of the 4-H Club where he showed calves and won several awards for best calf in show. Jim graduated from Dauphin High School in 1976. During his high school years, he developed a great passion for sports, he played basketball, hockey and baseball. He particularly loved baseball and when he and his brother, notoriously known as "the Ryz Brothers" were paired together they were unstoppable and dreaded by opposing teams. On August 25, 2001, Jim was married to Lynn Mehar. Their son Liam was born on November 4, 2002. Jim was a doting and proud father, he loved to show off his beautiful son. Jim took Liam everywhere. Weekend breakfasts at Falcon Lake were customary. He also coached Liam's baseball team in hopes Liam would share the same passion for baseball that he once had. Jim followed in the footsteps of his brother and embarked on a successful career in the lumber and building materials industry for almost 30 years. He branched out on his own in 2008, purchased and operated a successful wholesale plumbing business. Over the years he had made many lifelong friends in the building industry. Jim was big man with a big heart. He had a great sense of humour and will be remembered by family and numerous friends for his generosity and compassionate nature. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Mary, Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive, Winnipeg, with Rev. Fr. Kevin Bettens presiding. A private family Interment will be held at a later date. A special thank you to Jim's loving sister, Valery Ryz. She was always there for Jim and his immediate family throughout the years. Valery was invaluable, in both Jim's business and personal life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's honour to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, 3rd Floor, 1031 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R8. Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2017